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Amsterdam to Lisbon Golf Cruise – July/August 2019

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  • Amsterdam to Lisbon Golf Cruise – July/August 2019

Amsterdam to Lisbon Golf Cruise

29 July to 12 August 2019

from US$5,400 pp twin share (+ Euro 1,125 to 2,025 pp golf supplement)

Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre welcomes your joining us on this spectacular Amsterdam to Lisbon cruise, offering a wonderful opportunity to both experience beautiful ports and play at selected, highly regarded local and international golf courses.  Our tour includes up to 9 games of golf and you elect which courses you wish to play but you must play at least 5 games.  You can, of course, play all 9 games

Our home-away-from home, the 980 passenger Crystal Serenity, is a luxury ship offering the highest standards with complimentary select fine wines and spirits, superb culinary experiences in both the main and specialty restaurants, and excellent enrichment and entertainment possibilities.  Additionally, this Amsterdam to Lisbon itinerary, 14 luxurious nights long, offers over-night stays in Amsterdam, Honfleur, Lisbon and Bordeaux (2 nights).

What could be more enjoyable than sightseeing, and swinging your clubs, in some of Europe’s most beautiful ports?  Golfers with non-playing partners can enjoy their games, knowing those partners are having an equally fine time checking out the sights, or relaxing onboard.  Even with a golf option, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the various ports with long shore days.  As a single or a couple you will have a fine time on this fabulous cruise itinerary.  For a limited time only, singles can have their own stateroom at a premium of between 26.5% and 30% over the share twin pp room rate.

Our Crystal cruise includes:

  • Complimentary beverages
  • In-suite dining
  • 24 hour room service
  • Unlimited free Wi-Fi
  • Return transportation pier to town
  • Open seating for meals
  • US$200 pp on-board credit
  • and much, much more

Crystal itinerary – http://www.crystalcruises.com/voyage/details/Amsterdam-to-Lisbon-ocy190729-14

Your tour hosts Adrienne Witteman and David Cooper, Directors of Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre, are both enthusiastic golfers and are both longstanding members of two prestigious Sydney golf clubs.  They have golfed and cruised extensively throughout the world.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Monday 29 July 2019 - Amsterdam - overnight in Port

Board Crystal Serenity at your leisure during the afternoon – Trendsetter Travel can offer a range of well-priced Amsterdam hotels, for all budgets, for any pre cruise nights you wish to stay in this fascinating city – with so much to see and do including the famous Rijksmuseum (refer photo).  Included are several Virtuoso Hotels with various added benefits including breakfast, food and beverage credits, early check in, late check out, room upgrades etc.

Day 2- Tuesday 30 July 2019 - Amsterdam - depart port at 6.00 pm - Golf

For those not golfing, there is a long shore day to explore Amsterdam before an early evening departure south down the west coast of Europe.

Golf – we are scheduled to play Kennemer Golf & Country Club, a 40 minute drive from the port of Amsterdam.  Ranked in the top 3 courses in Netherlands and the top 12 in Europe, it was laid out through the towering sand hills by Harry Colt, of Pine Valley fame, in 1927 and is considered one of his best ever designs.

Day 3 - Wednesday 31 July 2019 - Zeebrugge - Belgium - in port 7.00 am to 6.00 pm - Golf

We have a long port day in Zeebrugge, a port made famous by the large and mostly successful British raid on the port defences in 1918.  Today it is more famous for being only 10 km from the historic town of Bruges.

Golf – those not electing to visit Bruges, will play Royal Zoute Golf Club – a less than 15 minute drive from the port of Zeebrugge.  Rated # 1 in Belgium, it was designed by Harry Colt in the early 1900s.  It obtained its “Royal” status in the mid 1920s.  This seaside links layout has been host to many Belgium Open professional championships.

Day 4 - Thursday 1 August 2019 - Honfleur - France - in port from 10 am (over-night) - Golf

We sail overnight to the port of Honfleur, located near the famous French port of Le Havre.  After golf, there will be time to explore the historic township of Honfleur, located on the banks of the estuary of the famous Seine River.  We have two days golf planned at two of our past tours’ most popular French golf courses.

Golf:  We play Golf Barriere Deauville, one of the leading golf course in this region.  This course is a pleasure to play with its perfect conditioning, challenging park layout and fine club rooms.

Day 5 - Friday - 2 August 2019 - Honfleur - depart port 10.00 pm - Golf

Golf – today we play Golf d’Etretat – a scenic golf course located 1 hour north of the Seine River and offers some stunning views of the coast line.  If time permits, we will visit the historic town of Etretat.

Day 6 - Saturday 3 August 2019 - Guernsey - in port from 8 am to 6 pm - Golf

Berthing this morning at St Peter Port, Guernsey.  With Jersey, Guernsey forms the Channel Islands, still loosely part of the United Kingdom with Pound Sterling remaining the currency.  The island is a mere 65 sq km in size with a population of circa 63,000.

Golf: following a 15 minute drive to the other side of the island, we play La Grande Mare Golf Club, one of several golf clubs on the island of Guernsey.

Day 7 - Sunday 4 August 2019 - cruising off coast of France

Sea day

Day 8 - Monday 5 August 2019 - Bordeaux - in port from 12.15 pm (over-night) - Golf

Arriving just after mid-day in Bordeaux, once France’s richest community and largest port but now second only to Paris in terms of size.  Famous for its delicious cuisine and wines, particularly from the well-known wine areas of the Medoc and Saint Emilion – both areas that we will visit on our two golfing excursions.  Crystal Serenity will berth within a short walk of the historic down town district of Bordeaux.

Golf: Shortly following our berthing, we drive 60 km through the wine growing areas of Bordeaux to play the Tom Doak designed Golfique du Grand Saint-Emilionnais (2015).  While Doak is famous for his design of many great courses including Barnbougle Dunes, Pacific Dunes (Oregon) and Cape Kidnappers, this is his first design in Europe.  Since opening, it has been rated one of the top 10 courses in France.

Day 9 - Tuesday 6 August 2019 - Bordeaux (Golf) - over-night - Golf

Golf: Today we travel 30 minutes to Golf du Medoc’s Vines course, designed by Canadian Rod Whitman.  It is rated as one of the top 10 courses in south west France.

Day 10 - Wednesday 7 August 2019 - Bordeaux - depart port at 12 noon

Particularly for those who have golfed the previous two days, there is a free morning to walk from Crystal Serenity and explore the historic city of Bordeaux prior to returning late morning for a mid-day departure back down the Garonne River – made famous in World War II by the daring commando raid which was made into the film “Cockleshell Heroes”.  The attached photo shows Crystal Serenity berthed in Bordeaux.

Day 11 - Thursday 8 August 2019 - Saint Jean de Luz - in port from 8.00 am to 6 pm - Golf

Arriving this morning at the historic port town of Saint Jean de Luz with its sheltered harbour.  Crystal Serenity will anchor in the harbour with tenders to the port.  Saint Jean de Luz is a short drive to Biarritz the famous French beach resort town

Golf Option – Golf de Chiberta

Golf today involves a 30 minute drive north via Biarritz to play Golf de Chiberta.  A links golf course built in the 1920’s by leading golf architect, Tom Simpson.  It is the highest rated golf course in this region of France.

Day 12 - Friday 9 August 2019 - Bilbao (Golf) - in port from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm - Golf

This morning arrive in historic Bilbao, home to the world famous Guggenheim Museum (open 10 am to 8 pm). This is a must see.  However, for those that have previously visited Bilbao, we have secured a multiple tee start at 9.30 am on one of the better Bilbao golf courses.

Golf:  play at Club Deportivo Ganguren Golf, a 30 minute drive from where our ship is berthed

Day 13 - Saturday 10 August 2019 - cruising off coast of Spain and Portugal

Sea day

Day 14 - Sunday 11 August 2019 - Lisbon in port 8.00 am (Overnight) - Golf

Lisbon, the capital of the once great Portuguese empire, is now one of Europe’s premier historic cities, and remains unscathed from the many European wars of the past 200 years.  Located amid the hills and valleys of the northern shores of the River Targus, it offers many delightful touring options.

Golf:  After a leisurely breakfast, we coach the 30 minutes to the Penha Longa Golf Resort and play the Atlantico Championship Course.  Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr in1992, this course is now rated in the top 10 courses in Portugal and has hosted many professional tournaments, including the Portugal Open.  It is a stunning course that winds through the hills and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 15 - Monday 12 August 2019 - disembark by 9 am

The Finer Details...

ALL Trendsetter clients, unique to our golf tour, will receive an on-board credit of US$200 per person.

Stateroom/Penthouse/Suite Category

 

 Cruise Component – Price pp twin/double share (inclusive of US$630 pp taxes/port fees) Golf Supplement – range of 5 to 9 games of golf (includes green fees, coach transfers, drinks post golf and prize money)
Deluxe Stateroom with Large Window (226 sqft) – C3, C2 and C1 From US$5,400 pp Euro 1,125 pp to Euro 2,025 pp
Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony (269 sqft – incl balcony) B, A & P From US$7,285 pp Euro 1,125 pp to Euro 2,025 pp
Penthouse with Balcony (403 sqft – incl balcony) PH From US$11,695 pp Euro 1,125 pp to Euro 2,025 pp
Penthouse Suite with Balcony (538sqft – incl balcony) PS & CP From US$15,570 pp Euro 1,125 pp to Euro 2,025 pp

 
  • The above Crystal fares are per person based upon double or twin occupancy. The fares do not include the available 2.5% discount for pre payment of the cruise component – this discount is available for full payment up until 6 months from departure.
  • Past passenger Crystal Society savings (from US$120 pp) and on-board booking discounts are combinable with the above Crystal fares.
  • You must choose between 5 and 9 games (and elect the courses you wish to play) at the time of booking cruise. Golf Package is priced at Euro 225 pp/round.
  • 20% deposit is payable on booking the cruise fare and A$1,000 on the golf package, with balance (including golf package) is payable 90 days from sailing. Cruise fare is cancellable without penalty up until 90 days from sailing.  The golf deposit is not refundable.  While the golf package is calculated in Euro, it is payable in A$ (less deposit paid) at the best available quoted A$/Euro by a major bank.
  • Competitive Single cruise fares available from 126.7% of the twin share fare but subject to change.
  • Trendsetter can arrange purchase of US$ to settle cruise fare at much better than credit card FX rates.
  • The golf package is only available where the cruise fare is purchased through Trendsetter Travel.
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY.
  • Normal Crystal Booking Terms and Conditions can be found on http://www.crystalcruises.com.

The provision of a 5 to 9 game golf package has been priced competitively.  The golf supplement does NOT include golf club hire and/or motorised carts/buggies which are an extra cost. Trendsetter has booked the courses as specified but cannot be held responsible for any cancellation/s necessitated by a change to the ship’s itinerary due to weather or any other event or late amendment by the golf course.  If such an event occurs and Trendsetter cannot organise an alternative golf course, Trendsetter will refund to you any refund available.  We can organise unaccompanied transport of golf clubs to Amsterdam/from Lisbon.

Please contact Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre for further information on this cruise.

Tel. +61 2 9428 5900 (Longueville/Northwood office)
Email david@trendsettertravel.com.au

Website                   www.trendsettertravel.com.au

Policies of Amsterdam to Lisbon Golf Cruise – July/August 2019

Golf cruises offer golfers an interesting way to travel, enjoy your passion for the game and remain fit while partaking in the gourmet delights most luxury cruise ships offer.  For those looking at the options available for you and your fellow keen golfers, here are some pro tips to help you find a cruise that meets all your needs. Finally, your ship has come in!  

Check the itinerary

Check the itinerary before you book, to ensure it is a realistic schedule. Seek a cruise that features long and plentiful shore days at ports with good golf courses.  You will probably appreciate the occasional sea day to rest up and relax.  

Go all-inclusive to save

High-profile US tour companies typically price their golf at US$500 (A$650) plus per person per round in addition to the cost of the cruise. Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre specialises in small all-inclusive luxury ships, and recommends this for the best experience.  Playing the same courses as its more expensive pier group, the golf package component of a Trendsetter cruise less than half the price of its international competitors.  

Ship size does matter

Be wary of cruises for more than 1,300 passengers.  Large ships will give priority to their own tours when it comes to disembarking, preventing independently organised golfers from exiting the ship quickly.  Delays can mean missing tee-off times.  Even if you can overcome a late arrival, the delay can cause disappointment when you must abandon the course early to return to your cruise shipboat. David Cooper, the director of Trendsetter Travel, recommends selecting a cruise ship with between 100 and 900 passengers. “These smaller ships can also get to the smaller ports, such as St. Tropez, St. Malo, Menorca, Portofino, which all have great golf courses.”  

Make sure you get enough time at port

Most golf excursions take at least eight hours—including return transportation to the course, an un-pressured golf game and importantly time post golf at the club for refreshments and prize giving. To make the most of your day, aim for a minimum of ten hours in port. Your group will need to arrive at the course an hour prior to tee-off, and allow for a round of four balls to be completed (plan on four and ½ hours hours).  

Healthy competition and fair play

Select a golf cruise where the organisers incorporate adjustments up and down for players’ handicaps, after each round.  This means that the prize money is spread around over the tour. David Cooper advises to ask about this when you are booking.  “We run a handicap adjustment system after each round to establish a par stableford score for the day,” he says. “After eight games, the better performers may see their handicaps reduce perhaps two shots and the ‘battlers’ might earn four or five shots back.” Every tour golfer wants at least one collect.  

Swing your partner ‘round

Cooper advises, “Where our golf tour participants book as a couple, they will always play as a couple unless they request otherwise.”  If you are booking as a single or wish to enhance the challenge by playing outside of your group, find an organiser who is mindful of matching players’ handicaps, so that you can get the most out of the cruise.  

Beware the fake golf cruise

You may discover cruises advertised as a golf tour but, on closer inspection, find they only offer golfing pre and post cruise.  Check for this, as it might not be what you have in mind. Trendsetter golf cruises schedule a minimum of six games on cruise shore days.  David Cooper mentions, “We even create opportunities where a golf enthusiast can play additional optional rounds, and others can have a more limited golf programme depending on what they are looking for with equitable downward price adjustments.”   To learn more about the great golf cruises that Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre have available, please contact David on (02) 9428 5900 or on david@trendsettertravel.com.au
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